Bitter Kola Prevents Liver Damage And Osteoarthritis.... New Studies

Nigerian researchers have found that a mixture of bitter kola and original honey protects the liver from paracetamol-induced damage and treat knee osteoarthritis.

IN recent times the incidence of liver, kidney and indeed body organ damage has been on the rise. This has been linked to ingestion of toxic chemicals or poisons such as drug overdose and over alcohol indulgence.

But Nigerian researchers have demonstrated how a mixture of bitter kola (Garcinia kola) and honey protects the liver from damage caused by the consumption of toxic substances and drugs.

The study published recently in Nigerian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is titled "Protective Effect of Garcinia kola Seed and Honey Mixture Against Paracetamol-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats."

The researchers concluded: "Garcinia kola seed (GKS), honey or a mixture of both acted as anti-hepatotoxic agent because it was able to significantly reduce the elevated serum total bilirubin concentration and enzyme activities in rats exposed to paracetamol treatment. The observed anti- hepatotoxic activity might be linked to the presence of flavonoids in both GKS and honey."

The study researchers include D. G. Eminedoki, A. A. Uwakwe and Gloria O. Ibe of the
Department of Biochemistry, University Of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Nigerian researchers have also found that bitter kola could be used to treat osteoarthritis. The study titled "Clinical effects of Garcinia kola in knee osteoarthritis" was published in Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research

The researchers from Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Osun State concluded: "Garcinia kola clinically appeared to have a significant analgesic/anti-inflammatory effects in knee osteoarthritis patients. Garcinia kola is a potential osteoarthritis disease modifier. This study shows that Garcinia kola is effective in improving locomotors function and significant pain reduction in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Further study is required for standardisation of dosages of Garcinia kola in knee Osteoarthritis (KOA).

Liver is the main body organ responsible for the metabolism of drugs. Every drug is known to be associated with hepatotoxicity almost certainly due to the ability of drugs to generate free radicals and to cause a disturbance in hepatocyte biochemistry. Consequently, this subjects the liver to a variety of diseases and disorders.